Preventative care
Protectors
- Most leather specialty shops sell leather protectors-sprays that guard your garment from stains, water, and skin oil damage.
- Leather conditioner keeps leather soft and pliable, and helps it repel water. Condition at least 4 times a year, or more if your leather is regularly exposed to rain or sun.
- Avoid spraying hairspray, perfume, or cologne while wearing your leather.
Storage
- Always hang leather garments on padded hangers to help retain their shape
- Never store leather in plastic or non-breathable covers -it could cause lether to dry out and lose its integrity. Instead, cover leather items with an old sheet for long-term storage.
- Keep leather out of direct sunlight and heat to prevent fading. Avoid very humid or dry environments.
Water damage
- If your leather gets wet, blot dry with a towel. Hang up and dry at room temperature naturally away from a heat sources.
- Use leather conditioner after garment has dried. Natural drying sucks moisture out of leather and may cause it to become brittle or crack over time.
Stain removal
- If stain is fresh, simply wipe it off with a soft, damp cloth. Do not rub.
- If stain is oily, sprinkle baking soda let sit overnight to absorb. Wipe off with a damp cloth.
- Do not use regular fabric stain removers on leather-they are likely to damage it.
- When using specialty leather cleaner, always test in an inconspicuous area first. Dab a little cleaner on and blot with a soft white cloth. If no color from the garment bleeds onto the cloth, the cleaner is safe to use.
- Take your leather garment to a cleaner using GreenEarth-it's safe on leather and suede and can get the stain out.
|
